Bill > LD1811

This bill establishes comprehensive procedures for electronic filing of documents in protection from abuse and protection from harassment legal proceedings. Specifically, the bill allows courts to accept e-mail filings for most documents in these types of cases, with some important restrictions and requirements. For protection from harassment cases, e-mail filing is permitted for most documents except complaints, motions to extend, motions to modify, and motions for contempt in cases without domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, sex trafficking, or unauthorized image dissemination. For protection from abuse cases, all documents can be filed electronically. The bill mandates that e-mailed documents must use approved file formats, include an electronic signature (either an image of the signature or "/s/" preceding the name), have a specific subject line with case details, and include a cover sheet with contact information. The filing date will be the day of submission, with special provisions for weekends and holidays. The bill also waives filing fees for complaints involving domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, sex trafficking, or unauthorized image dissemination. Additionally, the bill provides detailed instructions for serving e-filed documents, depending on whether parties are represented by counsel, and requires that responses to motions to continue be filed within three days of the original filing.

Justice

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1811&snum=132